146 The Scottish Naturalist. 



self both before he went to West Africa and during his furloughs 

 to learn the Science thoroughly in the great centres for its study 

 in Britain. In Sierra Leone and at Cape Coast Castle he pursued 

 his studies to their application, striving to work out the geological 

 structure of these lands under difficulties that can be appreciated 

 only by those that have tried geological investigations in the 

 tropics. 



We understand that his will gives one collection of fossils, 

 minerals, &c, from West Africa to the British Museum, and an- 

 other from the same country to the Aberdeen University. 



His death is felt by all who knew him to be a loss to themselves 

 of a trusted friend, and to Natural Science of one that, had his life 

 been spared, would have added much to what is known concerning 

 the Geology of the Western Coast of Africa, and would also have 

 advanced much whatever branch of Natural Science he studied, for 

 to him work had become a necessity, as well as a pleasure. 



As a physician and surgeon we believe that he was regarded 

 with absolute trust by all under his charge. 



Dr. Donald Manson Fraser became known to the writer of 

 this notice in 1876, when just completing his studies in the arts 

 curriculum. In graduating he gained honours in natural science, 

 and shared the first place in this department with a fellow 

 student with whom he worked much, — Dr. Walker, now in the 

 service of the British North Borneo Company. The two friends 

 went through their medical studies together, and showed a strong 

 aptitude especially for botanical studies, and each of them held the 

 position of class assistant to the Professor of Botany in the Univer- 

 sity. While students they were active members of the Aberdeen 

 Natural History Society. On the completion of his studies Dr. 

 Fraser had, like most young men in like circumstances, to enter on 

 the practice of his profession, and to lay aside scientific pursuits for a 

 time; but, three years ago, the Directors of the British North 

 Borneo Company desiring the services of a medical man with a love 

 for, and knowledge of botanical studies, Dr. Fraser was recom- 

 mended, and received the appointment. He proved excellently 

 fitted for the position, and enjoyed the life, not neglecting the op- 

 portunities of scientific work afforded by it; but on the 12th May, 

 1885, ne was killed in an attack by the natives on a party that he was 

 accompanying. We extract the following account of the sad event 

 from the British North Borneo Herald-. — 



